Matrix measurement

The matrix measurement (also: evaluative metering ) is a method for metering of modern cameras . In contrast to integral and spot metering , matrix metering measures the exposure over several (depending on the camera model up to 1005) measuring fields.

In addition to the brightness distribution, the color distribution, the object distance and the focal length of the lens are also taken into account , depending on the camera . The motif is then assigned to specific typical situations and the correction required for optimal exposure is determined compared to an integral measurement. This avoids typical errors in center-weighted metering (e.g. underexposure for a subject against a bright background). The matrix measurement of current cameras has meanwhile been developed to such an extent that it reliably covers a large number of motive situations. In atypical situations, however, unexpected incorrect exposures cannot be ruled out. Due to the complex calculations of the camera, such incorrect measurements are very difficult to assess and predict by the photographer, so that many users fall back on the spot metering in difficult lighting conditions to be able to decide for themselves.

The multi-field measurement works in a similar way to the zone system as it was used and described by Ansel Adams .

The first SLR camera with matrix measurement was the Nikon FA , released in 1983 , in which the measurement method was still called Automatic Multi-Pattern (AMP). The Minolta CLC system, a center-weighted integral measurement, in which an evaluation of the brightness distribution of a subject is carried out by two measuring cells is considered to be an early forerunner of this measurement method.